ENG-1989 — Page 367

RECREATION AND THE ARTS

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the increasing difficulties in the sale or transfer of zoological stock between countries, greater emphasis has been placed on the breeding of stock within the gardens. In this respect an excellent record has been achieved in recent years, including success with White-naped Crane, Count Raggi's Bird of Paradise, Victoria Crowned Pigeon, White- Winged Wood-duck, African Pygmy Goose, all the world's six species of Peacock Pheasant and the highly-endangered Rothschild's Myna.

The horticultural collection includes trees, palms, and shrubs representing more than 550 species. Colourful displays of seasonal flowers can be found at the Fountain Terrace garden which was reconstructed in 1985. This formal garden has a large fountain as the central feature and the landscaped surrounds include more than 400 species of medicinal plants assembled with the assistance of the Chinese Medicinal Research Institute. A new local orchid collection has now been established in the garden and will be expanded in the coming years.

Victoria Park, too, has an interesting collection of plants and birds. The collection from the old Kowloon Park was expanded to include new and attractive items following its redevelopment to coincide with the reopening of the park in 1989. Among the many new features, the bird lake has proved to be highly popular. Further ranges of bird and plant exhibits will be provided in Hong Kong Park and possibly in other locations under consideration. The potential of the gardens as a training and education centre is gradually being realised and with strong public support this aspect of the service is likely to see rapid expansion from 1990 onwards.

Major Parks

The Urban Council has an extensive building programme for large modern parks. In addition to the new Kowloon Park, this programme includes Hong Kong Park and Lei Yue Mun Park.

The construction of Hong Kong Park has started and is expected to be completed in 1991. The project is a joint venture between the Urban Council and the Jockey Club, which has donated a substantial amount towards the total cost and which has been entrusted with the responsibility for project management of the construction of the park in liaison with the council. The park will have a large greenhouse, a walk-in aviary, an indoor games hall, a visual arts centre, landscape areas and lakes as well as other features. The existing Teaware Museum and Squash Centre will be part of the park.

Meanwhile planning work continues on Lei Yue Mun Park, which occupies the old Lei Yue Mun Army Barracks site and is probably the most ambitious park in the building programme. The whole development project is expected to be completed by 1995. Part of the scenic site has now been brought into operation as the first holiday village in the urban area. Day and overnight campers at the village can enjoy a wide range of indoor activities such as gardening, fencing, American pool, archery, ball games, trail-walking, cycling and playground activities. When completed, the new park will include museums, animal enclosures and other activities suitable for all age groups.

Public Libraries

The Urban Council's public libraries continued to grow in 1989. The year saw the opening of Lung Hing Public Library and the Fa Yuen Street Public Library which replaced the Wong Tai Sin Public Library and the Mong Kok Public Library in rented premises. A specialised Arts Library was scheduled for opening in January 1990 in the Hong Kong